Martial Arts Cults

Jamie Clubb · Subject: Re: Martial Arts Cults Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:27 pm

Quote:

Overall I would look back in the time I spent in a 'TMA' in a positive light, but the above certainly does ring a lot of bells for me.

In hindsight I do not regret a single martial arts lesson I undertook. It is worth remembering that even cults in general have done good things - and I mean the really dangerous ones too! Jim Jones, Yahweh ben Yahweh etc. all did a lot of good before they started killing people.

How harmful a cult-like martial arts group can be on a individual is not something that has been properly assessed. The burden of proof is on me in this instance. Here is some stuff I unearthed:

Quote:

A few links for your consideration:
http://www.furyu.com/archives/issue8/zanshin8.html http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/cults.htm http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/c/chung/ http://www.unixgods.org/~monika/Fun/MartialArts/Unarmed.html http://www.koryu.com/library/wmuromoto4.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5hYsMcJM68 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyV-06JONjw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEsSCe_Fas&feature=related

We are not alone in discussing this topic:
http://www.factnet.org/discus/messages/3/675.html?1134690355 http://wmtkd.us/kalamazoo/BullShido.xml

Militant cults? http://www.atimes.com/se-asia/bg08ae01.html

Oh yes, and the classic example. Rev. Sun Myung Moon is the founder and head of the Unification Church, known collequially as "The Moonies". Moon is often known as one of the world's biggest cult leaders. http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/unificat.htm

He also heads the Martial Arts Federation for World Peace.

MARTIAL ARTS
Martial arts were originally created in ancient Asia to ensure stable and peaceful societies. Reviving this original purpose of martial arts, Reverend Moon is a major sponsor of martial arts programs and events. He recognizes martial arts as an especially important way to reach young people. Martial arts is a uniquely inspiring, enriching and exciting sport where young persons, and even gang members, can develop their physical abilities and at the same time learn principles that develop their character and leadership abilities.

Martial Arts Federation for World Peace
Founded in 1997, the Martial Arts Federation for World Peace promotes martial arts as a way to achieve individual mind/unity, to give young people a healthy to way to channel their youthful energy and learn ethical principles, and to promote world peace through international tournaments. Delegates from 70 nations, including Grand Masters and Masters from the main martial arts schools, attended the 1997 inauguration. The Federation is unique in that it encourages members to study and practice many styles of martial arts and promotes martial arts programs that unify the strong points of individual martial arts schools.

Moon's own words on his own martial arts style, Won Wha Do:

Our martial art is Won Wha Do, is circular, 360 degrees. I created Won Wha Do. Also I gave Chung Do Sul, before. In America people like Tae Kwon Do. I supported the people who brought it to America, but they didn’t connect it to me. Over 100,000 young people study martial arts. All the martial arts leaders are uniting, and the Christians opposed it. I knew what was coming in the future, in the worlds of religion, sports and art, and had to educate all humankind in a short time. I felt that we could change the world in three years. Now look at it, the Yakuza and Mafia are dominating these arenas of life. By 2010, the Mafia will dominate all distribution systems. Who will kick them out? That’s why we need martial arts. So we need to bring martial arts leaders to God’s side, but they don’t know what the purpose of martial arts is. So we need to re-organize them and bring them back to their original purpose.

Rob · Subject: Re: Martial Arts Cults Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:32 pm

I think that's a fair point Tim, I know a lot of dudes who have had very positive TMA experiences, and still really enjoy their training. Which is cool!

I get asked alot about going to train somewhere. I always say pretty much the same thing. Try a few places out, and stick to the one that you like and enjoy. Also, one that will fill your needs, whether is recreation, sport or SD.

If it does not tick all the right boxes for you - then then move on to another club.

I think that some people are genuinely afraid to leave, because they wont find anything better, or have invested too much time clambering for their belts.

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"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." - Marcello Truzzi

Rob · Subject: Re: Martial Arts Cults Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:36 pm

Uh Oh.... I think I deleted Tim's post by accident. Really really sorry Tim, I must have hit edit instead of quote. Sad

Sorry guys, I'm still getting used to the mod controls.

Tim please feel free to post it again (sorry for any hassles caused). Tim basically said that he generally had positive experiences in TMA, but that a few points I made definitely rung some bells.

Sorry.....
Embarassed

_________________
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." - Marcello Truzzi

Rob · Subject: Re: Martial Arts Cults Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:38 pm

I would like to also say, that I'm really glad I went through my TMA experiences (good and bad), as they made me a much wiser man, and also lead me on to Combatives.

_________________
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." - Marcello Truzzi

Jamie Clubb · Subject: Re: Martial Arts Cults Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:51 pm

I quoted him, so at least some of the post remains.

Rob · Subject: Re: Martial Arts Cults Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:26 pm

Jamie Clubb wrote:

I quoted him, so at least some of the post remains.

Phew...

_________________
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." - Marcello Truzzi